Self-Care & YOU!

28 Feb Self-Care & YOU!

So, I’ve been pondering on what the next blog post should be and how to relate it to current events. Since, everything we’re experiencing as a society is relatively related to how we feel on a daily basis. Then, I had a friend ask, “So when is your next blog post and what are you discussing this time. I can’t wait to read it. You should talk about self-care since you have been preaching that to me.” YES…Self-Care, Self-Preservation, Coping Skills, “Clearing Your Head”, “Me Time”!!!

Well…What is Self-Care? Self-Care can be described as a way to relieve and restore one’s self from tension, stress or irritability. Also, it allows one to preserve themselves while engaging in relaxing techniques during the restorative process. Self-Care can be whatever YOU want it to be. Meaning whatever helps you to relax, be calm and find solace is YOUR self-care technique. Some of the most common self-care techniques are: Exercise, Pampering, Sleep, Mediation and Outdoor events.

As a psychotherapist, I am often asked, “What do you do to relax? You experience many emotions throughout the day, how do you continue to do this without losing your mind?” If I had a dollar for the amount of times I’ve answered that question, I’d be wealthy!  However, it is a very valid question. Frequently, I engage in many self-care techniques to maintain a sense of peace. Self-Care is a consistent task one may call a journey that is not a quick fix but a constant voyage. For example, the way you start your day and the routines you establish helps to set the tone for how your day will go. My mornings consist of music playing, mantra reciting and occasional dancing when the spirit moves me. My #1 self-care practice is visiting the beach. As if you haven’t guessed it by the many beach photos you see on the website. The beach has so many great attributes that assists in promoting and restoring peace. For example: the sun, waves, sand, shoreline and water all play major roles in relaxation. Some people participate in self-care activities only when stressed. The key is to consistently practice self-care techniques to maintain a sense of peace. This helps to minimize the level of restorative care needed when one encounters stressful situations.

Self-Care is practiced by some of the most successful individuals in the world. In fact, these individuals swear by their self-care practices. Have you ever watched or heard of Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday? Oprah interviews self-care enthusiasts about their techniques and how great the benefits are to their personal and professional lives.[1] Most successful people are known to incorporate spiritual, emotional, physical and overall wellness to their lives to promote healthy self-care practices.

Yoga is viewed as an overall mental, physical and spiritual practice that helps to relax the mind and body. Many people use yoga as an exercise tool while others use it for its meditation practices in calming the mind. Quite simple, yoga helps to establish peace. With many different spiritual forms promoted with each yoga practice, it is easily seen as an all-encompassing self-care practice. If you find that stretching may not be your thing, then try the meditation aspect of yoga. Meditation is an excellent source of deep breathing techniques that helps to restore calm while allowing the many thoughts that have taken over your mind to visit and be released with each breath. Or maybe you see yourself as a physical person and need to get out and release by activities such as running, weight training, cycling or swimming. All of these helps to release endorphins which promotes positive (happy) feelings in your body.

Self-care can be whatever you make it. It can be as simple as getting a good night’s rest or participating in a calming activity to promote and restore peace. You are encouraged to find 3 activities you will incorporate in your daily lives and develop your self-care practice. Let us know what you think and what works for you.

Peace & Blessings,

Your Favorite Therapist

[1] Oprah 2017. Super Soul Sunday. Harpo Productions.